Split Sleeve Gingham Blouse

I love that gingham is back! It screams Spring and Summer. It can work as a neutral to pair up with other prints or can stand alone on its own. Cotton gingham is very easy to work with in sewing. 

For this top, I used Simplicity 8602. I like the loose and easy shape and all the sleeve variations. It even comes with a cold shoulder option which is very on trend. For this, I made the split sleeve version and the longer length. 

I used a blue and white Kaufman cotton gingham fabric I had picked up at a shop in San Francisco while on vacation. 

This went together fast and easy, instructions were just fine. I think this would be great for a beginner and it's an instant gratification project for someone more advanced. 

I didn't make any adjustments for this top. It does come with different bust sizes, up to DD. 

I wore this to the office with black slacks, received lots of compliments. I think this would be super cute with a printed skirt or with shorts. 

I have a lovely, polyester crepe that drapes softly that I am picturing made up in the cold shoulder version. 

~Jenny 

Boucle Blazer

I love a blazer for work. It's a great way to add some oomph to basic slacks and a blouse.

I used Simplicity 4698. It's OOP, but you can grab one on Etsy or Ebay. It's a great pattern for a fitted jacket with several variations. I made my first version in 2012. 6 years ago?!?!? I can't believe it's been that long. Yet this is a timeless, classic style and I won't be donating this pattern anytime soon. 

For this version, I used a polyester boucle I picked up at an independent fabric store while I was on a trip to San Francisco. It wasn't pricey. I love the colors integrated into the fabric: cream, green, blue. 

I wanted a quick and easy project and didn't fiddle with any design details. No collar, buttons, closures, pockets on this one. This is just a throw on-and-go piece. 

I made my standard, one size smaller than the pattern recommends based on my measurements, other than that, no changes to fit. 

For this version, I added shoulder pads, which I hadn't on my previous one. I think it gives the jacket a more professional, structured look. 

I need to be better about taking photos of the innards, but this jacket has a unique, partial lining. This keeps it lightweight but still lined in all the right places. 

I got several compliments in the office when I first worse this. I love the 3/4 length sleeve for transitioning to warmer weather. I will definitely be making more of these. Who knows? Maybe in another 6 years!

~Jenny

Pattern Review: Tie Neck Blouse

I have always loved the look of scarf necklines and pussy bow blouses but have yet to make one until now. I used Vogue 9204 for this blouse.

 The fabric is a light weight polyester crepe that I found on Etsy from Felinus Fabrics. The pattern is a "Very Easy Vogue" and I would agree. It went together quickly and easily. I did not make any changes to fit or construction

I 

wore this to the office and received several compliments. I would love to make a few more of these! Solid colors would look great for layering pieces. 

~Jenny